Alan, a seasoned quilt designer and textile expert, has been involved in sewing for over 65 years, initially learning from his mother. He has held various textile-related positions both commercial and community based and played a significant role integrating guilds into the first Stitches and Craft Show as former President of the Handweavers and Spinners Guild of NSW. Known as Australia’s longest-practicing male quilt designer, Alan runs Oz Quilt Design studio and is a sought-after tutor. He has been a member of QuiltNSW for over thirty years and is currently coordinating the Junior & Youth Block Challenge for their September 2025 exhibition. As a Quilt Historian and Conservation Expert, he conducts global classes and workshops and is currently authoring a book on quilt colour theory for quilt makers. His award-winning quilts are known for their saturated colour combinations and modern quilting influences.
VIEW ITINERARYDay 1 - Sunday 8 February 2026 Lincoln, NE
We depart Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane and fly via Los Angeles to Lincoln.
We arrive the same day as we depart because we cross the International Date
Line. On arrival we will be met by our private coach and transferred to our
hotel.
Day 2 - Monday 9 February 2026 Lincoln
This morning, we will have free time to recover from our flight, while the more
energetic might like to explore the town. Alan will give some suggestions. In
the afternoon we visit the Calico House Quilt shop. There will be lots of new
fabric for spring and summer. We will enjoy a welcome dinner tonight to
formally meet Alan and other tour members.
Day 3 - Tuesday 10 February 2026 Lincoln
Today will be a highlight visit to the International Quilt Study Centre and
Museum, an architecturally stunning new museum housing a treasure trove of
quilts from many countries. People who love quilts and quilt making have
worked many years to bring it into being. Alan will guide the group around the
historical quilts and the best displays. I am sure our visit will be exciting and
rewarding.
Day 4 - Wednesday 11 February 2026 Hamilton, MO
This morning, we will drive north to visit the Morman Trail Center at Winter
Quarters. In the afternoon we head south to St. Joseph and visit the
Albert-Kemper Museum in Missouri, which houses one of the finest collection
American Art from the Colonial Period to the present day. In is housed in the
attractive period home of the Albert-Kemper’s. We will continue our journey to
Hamilton. Alan will meet those wishing to dine as a group in the lobby of our
hotel.
Day 5 - Thursday 12 February 2026 Hamilton, MO
Hamilton is a town devoted to quilters. In the town there are many stores with
specific fabric themes, where we will find friendly and helpful staff. We will
visit the Missouri Star Quilt Co., founded by Jenny Doran. A prominent quilter
who turned her hobby into a multi-million-dollar business. Jenny is the author
of numerous articles; quilt patterns and contributes to the company owned
quilt magazine. We will have a talk about the history of the Quilt Co. and time
to buy inspiring quilting items. We visit Crossroad Quilting, a wonderful quilt
shop with a great selection of fabrics and patterns and a good display of
made-up bags.
Day 6 - Friday 13 February 2026 Hamilton, MO
We will have a tour of the small boyhood home of the department store tycoon
JC Penny this morning. The house will take us back in time and give us
information about J C Pennys’ early businesses. Early afternoon we stop at the
Missouri Quilt Museum, which houses museums from around the world and
includes a permanent gallery showing quilts from the national Quilt Museum.
The rest of the day will be free to explore Hamilton. Alan with give advice on
shopping opportunities.
Day 7 - Saturday 14 February 2026 St Louis MO
Today we drive Hannibal, situated on the Mississippi River, where the writer
Mark Twain grew up. We will have free time and time to visit Hickory Stick
Quilt store, which sells fabrics, flowers and a variety of gifts. We continue our
journey to the vibrant city of St Louis, gateway to the west.
Day 8 - Sunday 15 February 2026 Paducah, KY
This morning in St Louis, we will visit the nicely restored home of President
Grant, which is a National Historic site. We continue with a visit to The Quilted
Fox an interesting fabric store. We travel on to Paducah, a hub for quilting
shops and museums. On arrival, we check into our hotel where we’ll spend
the next three nights. In the evening Alan will meet those wishing to dine with
the group.
Day 9 - Monday 16 February 2026 Paducah, KY
In the morning, we will walk to the nearby National Quilt Museum, home to
many award winning and historic quilts. We will see over 150 antique and
contemporary quilts on display. We then continue to Must Stitch Emporium,
which sells a lovely array of fabrics and quilt supplies located downtown.
Day 10 - Tuesday 17 February 2026 Paducah, KY
In the morning, we visit Paper Pieces, which supplies premium quality notions
and pre-cut paper pieces for English Paper Piecing. There will be time for you
to purchase lunch. We then continue with a visit to Hancock’s of Paducah’s
Fabric Store. Bring your shopping list as you browse among the rows and
rows of fabrics in this huge shop. Bargains can be found in the back room. The
fabric fills the floor area, the walls are covered in books and notions. Home
decorator fabrics and trims are also available. They will post them home from
the shop on the day!
Day 11 - Wednesday 18 February 2026 Johnson City TN
Today we travel to Nashville the capital of Country and Western Music. We will
visit the excellent Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum before continuing to
Johnson City for an overnight stay.
Day 12 - Thursday 19 February 2026 Raleigh NC
This morning, we travel to Raleigh. In the afternoon we will visit the opening
day of QuiltCon - the Modern Quilt Guild Festival. QuiltCon is the largest
modern quilt event in the world, hosted by the Modern Quilt Guild. With
attendees coming from around the globe, QuiltCon features a vibrant quilt
show full of competition quilts, community outreach quilts and special exhibits,
as well as an enticing vendor hall, with all booths curated with the modern
quilter in mind. QuiltCon also features lectures and workshops, available for
registration with a four-day show pass. Most major quilt stores from
surrounding states will have trade booths at QuiltCon 2026.
Day 13 - Friday 20 February 2026 Raleigh
We will visit day two of QuiltCon today. There will be time to browse among
the displays and buy items for future quilting.
Day 14 - Saturday 21 February 2026 Raleigh
We will visit day three of QuiltCon today or you can explore Raleigh. In the
afternoon we will visit the Fabric and Quilt Outlet Mill Raleigh’s oldest and best
known fabric retailer, which was established in 1958.
Day 15 - Sunday 22 February 2026 Raleigh
We will visit day four of QuiltCon today or you can explore Raleigh. We will
enjoy a farewell dinner tonight to say goodbye to Alan and other tour
members and to celebrate our wonderful tour.
Day 16 - Monday 23 February 2026 Departure
We travel to the airport to board our flight via Los Angeles to Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane
Day 17 - Tuesday 24 February 2026 In Flight
Day 18 - Wednesday 25 February 2026 Australia
We arrive in Australia today and tour arrangements conclude.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $11,115 | $13,915 |
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator. Tour Costs. The tour's costs are based on transport, accommodation costs and entrance costs at 2 February 2025. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to costings will be made within 60 days prior to departure.
Deposit and Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days prior to departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment made by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX
Cancellation: Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 60 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of $900 per person. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Changes to the Tour Itinerary:
Travelrite International reserves the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational requirements. Any changes to the
itinerary will be replaced with similar arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The tour has been costed on the basis of a minimum number of
passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to
cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed
with the tour at a modified cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Baggage:
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance. Refunds. The tour is
based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (Licence number 30858) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agents in making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance, acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities, terrorism, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour. The contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events: You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years. It is accredited with IATA. As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“The individual quilting stores were unique in their own way and everyone made us so welcome. The Quilt Festival and Exhibition was amazing. The quality and workmanship of the exhibits was breathtaking. Having over 2 days to explore was perfect, allowing time to marvel at everything on offer and decide what to buy.”
“Professional input by Linda Collins (Quilter) was excellent - she had prepared extremely well. She provided a project to teach us, introduced us to accomplished people in the quilting world and flexibly guided our activities to cater for individual interests.”
